Oil dipstick tube removal

[94bmw]

I'm doing the valve cover gaskets and have finished the RH side. I have been unable to get the dipstick tube on the LH side to budge and was wondering if I have missed a nut or something. Accouding to All Data and as far as I can see there is just one nut which holds it to the valve cover. I have pulled on it but can't seem to get it to release. Does anyone have any suggestions?? Thanks in advance.

[el es]

I will check my shop manual tonight. IS this a V6 or V8

[94bmw]

V8 engine

[el es]

I will look it up when I get home tonight.

[el es]

same illustrations and instruction as alldata.com. Maybe they used a sealant.

[el es]

i posted the question on flatratetech and they said that is it... that sometimes they just get a bit difficult to remove because they have been in so long. There is an o-ring at the bottom and it may have swollen under the heat and pressure.

I say be ghentle but show it who the boss is.

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by el es

..I say be ghentle but show it who the boss is.

Absolutely!!
Along those lines, you may just need to break it loose first.

What I've done in the past is, insert a drill bit (the back side), bolt, etc that fits inside the tube VERY snug, so's not to deform the roundness of the tube, then Vicegrip the tube where it's protected from deforming, maybe add a piece of rubber or protector to the Vicegrip jaws, then give it a twist to break it loose.

Works every time

[94bmw]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate your help. After several tries to pull it out I finally just got serious with the tab that fits over the bolt holding the dipstick to the valve cover. It took some persuasion but I bent it up enough to get it off. Then just bent it back down to re-attach. It seems to have worked. I was afraid if I did get the dipstick out that it would be a bear to get back in!!

[el es]

excellent.